majority leader harry reid says there aren't enough votes to overcome gop opposition. he says separating the ban from measures increases the chances of passage. the assault weapons ban appeared to gain momentum after the massacre in newtown, connecticut, in november. >>> president obama heading to the mideast in israel. the first time he visited the jewish state as president. abc's tahman bradley looks at the issues. >> reporter: president obama embarked on a trip to the middle east with the goal of winning the hearts and minds of the israeli people, mr. obama's first visit to israel as president. he will make several symbolic stops including laying a wreath at the founder of modern zionism. the centerpiece of the visit is delivering a speech to an audience of mostly college students. >> the president will visit israel with a message about the enduring relationship between the united states and israel about the unshakeable commitment the united states has to israel's security. >> reporter: even before the trip, the president tried to reassure israel of his commitment t